Reubens at the One and Only - Cape Town

 

 

From hearty new dishes including an array of quality meat cuts to a sophisticated tasting menu, time-saving business lunch offerings and even cooking demonstrations with chef Reuben Riffel, winter looks set to be a sensational season at Reuben’s One&Only Cape Town.
The fact that the Cape has four distinct seasons allows Chef Reuben to constantly explore an enormous variety of local ingredients available to him – it also offers him a chance to access an extensive repertoire of recipes from a childhood spent in the Franschhoek Valley where his mother’s food was a constant comfort.

 

Reuben loves winter as much as any other season – it’s a chance to bring heartier offerings onto the menu, and some spicier choices too, all perfect for the cooler weather. In true Reuben style, subtle references to traditional Cape cuisine are peppered throughout his restaurant menu - it’s what has helped put his eponymous establishments on the dining map and Reuben’s One&Only Cape Town is no exception.
“The fact that the resort has so many guests from all over the world is exciting for us – we are able to include classic Cape flavours and styles to the menu and add our unique twists, and the feedback has been amazing” says the absolutely affable celeb chef who ensures that he and the team at his five-star resort eatery source only the very best fresh ingredients from a select group of suppliers. “We understand that many of our guests eat at restaurants all over the world and we work hard to keep the menu sophisticated without losing touch with our down-to-earth roots and never ever compromising on quality”, he says.

 

 

Among the star new winter menu additions at Reuben’s One&Only Cape Town is the slow roasted Oxtail Bordeaux served with rosemary scented mash potato and a subtle mint jus; guests will certainly appreciate the no-nonsense, robust flavours of the Reuben’s Steak & Guinness Ale Pie served with a buttery mash too.  And when it’s cold outside, what could be tastier than the flavourful Spicy Chicken and Prawn Curry, redolent with aromatic flavours and served with traditional Cape Malay sambals? Of course, in keeping with Reuben’s strong focus on seasonality, all the vegetable accompaniments to these wintry comfort-food offerings are the best that can be sourced at this time of year.

 

South Africa is well known for its outstanding meat culture and Reuben’s One&Only Cape Town has tapped into this demand for quality meat with enthusiasm. “We’re lucky to have sourced excellent suppliers who share our commitment to working with quality ingredients and this winter will see more meat cuts than ever before on the menu”, says Chef de cuisine Victoria Stott, who in her two years in the kitchen has seen the demand for meat dishes grow. “We serve as much organic meat as possible and we only serve A-grade Chalmar beef cuts as well as the best venison from small, trustworthy suppliers”, she explains. Signatures include the Flame Grilled Chalmar Beef Fillet served with roast carrot puree, a bone marrow and Gruyére croquette, field mushrooms, potato fondant and a decadent Bordelaise jus while other popular mains include the Pan Roasted Springbok Loin and a decadent beef burger with all the trimmings.

 

Of course there is plenty for vegetarians on the menu too – from white onion and mushroom risotto and pan-seared Parmesan gnocchi to a selection of decadent pizzas too. One of the exciting developments at Reuben’s One&Only Cape Town is the introduction of a new series of interactive cooking demonstrations, held every Thursday evening. With the rise in reality cooking programmes, there are more enthusiastic home cooks than ever before. Luckily for them, one of South Africa’s most well known chefs is also one of its most approachable and willing to share his culinary secrets. Join Reuben as he and Chef de cuisine Victoria Stott present an interactive demonstration every Thursday evening. The perfect winter evening’s excursion and an ideal way to entertain clients, to celebrate a birthday or to add some fun to a girls’ night out.

 

For a memorable dining experience, why not book a seat at the Reuben’s Tasting Table? Developed by Chef de Cuisine Victoria Stott, guests can choose from two seven-course gastronomic journeys which will begin with artfully created canapés and sparkling wine in the Vista Bar & Lounge after which guests will move to the private Tasting Table situated on its own mezzanine level overlooking Reuben’s One&Only Cape Town where they will enjoy an epicurean feast featuring mouth-watering winter gourmet delights.

The menus will exemplify the Reuben’s One&Only signature approach of sophisticated home-style offerings, often with a fusion twist. The first menu will include the likes of roast chicken consommé with butter roasted chicken breast, edamame and wild mushroom as well as a roast organic pork belly with a soy vinaigrette and pomme puree. The second menu will feature slightly more boundary-pushing but no less decadent delights such as a slow roasted Namibian Ribeye steak served with pickled mushroom, steak butter, Pomme puree, asparagus and a main course of Hake, Parma ham & Shrimp served with Garden Peas and mint, leek & Pomme Anna The table seats up to 12 guests and if guests so wish Head Sommelier Luvo Ntezo can perfectly pair each dish with any wine chosen from the 5000-strong Wine Loft.

Thanks to the fact that One&Only Cape Town is one of the most conveniently situated five-star properties in the city, Reuben’s is an understandably popular destination for working lunches. The Reuben’s Business Lunch caters perfectly for time-strapped guests with an unbeatable three-course offering of a wholesome seasonal soup, a gourmet sandwich and a decadent pudding, all for just R125 (or R150 including a glass of wine). This winter lunch menu changes daily and will be available to enjoy in both Reuben’s and Vista Bar & Lounge.

One&Only Cape Town’s cosy winter season is from 1 May until 30 September 2013.

To reserve your table at Reuben’s One&Only, call (27) (21) 431 4511 or mail to restaurant.reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com.